Explore Everyday Health

2010 Red Dress Collection

Glamorous actresses, an Olympic athlete, and divas strutted down the runway in their red dresses at this annual New York City Fashion Week event to encourage awareness of heart disease in women.

Kristin Chenowith in Daniel Swarovski

Billed as “The Ultimate Fashion Statement,” the Red Dress Collection spotlights the red dress as a symbol of heart disease awareness in women. Since the collection debuted in 2002, awareness among American women that heart disease is their No. 1 killer has increased by a double-digit percentage. That knowledge is important, because many of the risk factors for heart disease are reversible and controllable. By eating healthfully, exercising regularly, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, women can lower their risk of heart disease by as much as 82 percent.

Kim Kardashian in Marchesa

Celebrate Big Hips. Kardashian, a clothing designer and star of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, can rejoice in the fact that her world-renowned booty may protect her against heart disease. Studies suggest that those with a pear-shaped figure — a smaller waist and wider hips — are at lower risk for heart problems. That’s because those with apple-shaped figures — wider all around — tend to store extra fat in their stomachs and chests, which can be harmful for hearts.

Joan Collins in Stephanie Rolland

Pay Extra Attention as You Age. While there are many heart disease risk factors within your control, age is one of those, unfortunately, that can’t be changed. Experts aren’t sure why heart disease risk increases with age, though the loss of estrogen after menopause may be a factor. Even divas like the still sexy, 76-year old, Joan Collins need to visit their doctors for regular heart disease screenings.

Regina King in Tracy Reese

Race Matters. Another heart disease risk factor you can’t control is race. African-Americans like Regina King, star of TNT’s Southland, are at higher risk for heart disease. It is estimated that an alarming 47 percent of African-American women over age 20 have cardiovascular disease, 45 percent have high blood pressure, and 42 percent have high cholesterol. These numbers aren’t a death sentence, but it’s imperative to pay close attention to your eating and exercise habits and check in with your doctor regularly to have your heart, blood pressure, and cholesterol checked. Latinas are also at increased risk for heart disease.

Mamie Gummer in Michael Kors

The Role of Heredity. Acting talent isn’t the only thing that runs in families. At 26, actress Mamie Gummer — Meryl Streep’s daughter — probably doesn’t have to worry about her heart health, but some heart disease risk factors are hereditary. If a parent has heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure, a child is more likely to develop them later in life, too. Lifestyle changes and careful monitoring of heart health can prevent the disease.

Dara Torres in Rachel Roy

Exercise Regularly. Olympic swimmer Dara Torres is practically the poster child for maintaining physical fitness as you age — she won an impressive three silver medals at her fifth Olympic Games, in 2008 in Beijing. But don’t worry — you don’t have to win a medal to get the heart benefits of exercise. Most doctors recommend a simple 30 minutes of moderate exercise — such as swimming, walking, and dancing — at least five days a week.

Felicity Huffman in Oscar de la Renta

Work to Keep Your Relationship Happy. Desperate Housewives’ star Felicity Huffman charmed the audience when she stopped halfway down the runway to give her husband, William H. Macy, who was sitting in the audience, a quick smooch. That kind of romance is good for your heart, because bad marriages are associated with an increase in heart disease rates as high as 34 percent. If your marriage or relationship is rocky, seek counseling to relieve some of the stress.

Bethenny Frankel in Isabella Olivier

Risks During Pregnancy. As author of the Skinnygirl cookbooks, Bethenny Frankel of the Real Housewives of New York City surely knows it’s important to watch what you eat and pay attention to heart health, especially when you’re pregnant. As your body’s blood volume increases to nourish your baby, so does your heart rate and the amount of blood your heart pumps per minute. At particular risk are pregnant women with pre-existing pulmonary hypertension and obstructions in blood flow.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck in Donna Karan

Other Health Problems Can Increase Risk. View co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck has been open about her struggles with celiac disease, even penning The G-Free Diet. What she may not realize is that research suggests there may be a link between celiac disease and diabetes, a risk factor for heart disease. If you suspect you have celiac disease, diabetes, or heart disease, make an appointment with your doctor to get checked. And always ask your doctor if your other health conditions — such as thyroid issues, depression, or osteoporosis — may increase your heart disease risk.

Robin Roberts in J. Crew Collection

Increased Risk After Breast Cancer Treatment. It may not seem fair after she showed such courage in dealing with breast cancer, but ABC’s Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts may be at increased risk for heart disease because of her breast cancer treatment. A recent study found that women who had radiation for breast cancer were more likely to have heart attacks, heart failure, and heart valve problems than women who hadn't had radiation.

Heidi Klum in John Galliano

Tell a Friend About Heart Disease. While more people than ever are aware that heart disease is the number one killer of American women, it’s important to keep spreading the word. Those who do know about the threat of heart disease are 47 percent more likely to weigh less and 35 percent more likely to be physically active. The red dress is the symbol of heart disease awareness not just for a day in February, but all year long.

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